Yamaha Tracer 9

What if touring comfort has reached a point where technology does most of the work?

Riding the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ through Slovenia raises one simple question: how much tech do you really need to enjoy a great motorcycle?

Preview – Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+, Touring with a Digital Edge

The Yamaha Tracer 9 has long been one of the most convincing sport-touring motorcycles on the market. A characterful three-cylinder engine, a strong balance between comfort and sportiness, and a competitive price have made it a favourite among touring riders. With the Tracer 9 GT+, Yamaha pushes that formula to its technological limit.

Tested on a demanding route through Slovenia, Austria and Italy, the GT+ proves immediately capable of serious distances. A 340-kilometre day passes effortlessly, with the bike maintaining a brisk pace while keeping rider fatigue to a minimum. The new Y-AMT automatic transmission takes some getting used to, but quickly impresses with its smoothness, both on twisty roads and on the motorway.

The headline feature is Yamaha’s adaptive radar technology. Adaptive cruise control works seamlessly, keeping distance automatically and detecting motorcycles just as reliably as cars. Blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision warnings add another layer of safety, though these systems feel most at home on relaxed highway stretches rather than in dense traffic.

What truly defines the Tracer remains unchanged: the 890 cc three-cylinder engine. It delivers a near-perfect blend of torque, refinement and character, even under stricter emission rules. Combined with electronically adjustable suspension, the GT+ offers a comfortable yet composed ride. Some may find the setup slightly soft, but sportier suspension settings are available and work effectively when the pace increases.

"What truly defines the Tracer remains unchanged: the 890 cc three-cylinder engine."

The GT+ also introduces matrix LED headlights - camera-controlled to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic - a motorcycle first. While difficult to evaluate in bright summer conditions, the system adds to the bike’s premium feel and visual presence, especially in the exclusive Cobalt Blue finish.

The real dilemma lies in pricing. With a significant gap between the GT+ and the standard Tracer 9, the question becomes philosophical rather than technical. The GT+ is undeniably impressive, but the base model already delivers the essence of what makes the Tracer so good.

The Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ is not about necessity. It’s about choice. A showcase of what modern touring can be: efficient, comfortable and digitally assisted while reminding us that sometimes, less tech can still mean more riding pleasure.